This meadow is said to have been Ireland's first and only circular cricket pitch - created as a leisure facility for the Stopford family of Courtown House, the Anglo-Irish landlords of this area.

During the Victorian era (1837–1901), cricket flourished as the national sport of England, going through significant professionalisation, widespread popularity and expansion across the British Empire.

It was used right up until the family departed in the 1920s. It then became a popular camping spot through the 1930s to the 1980s. Today it is close to disappearing into the sea, and so - in an effort to protect it - it has been planted with native Irish trees and dune grass.

The sycamore trees that surround the area are not native; they were planted as part of Lord Courtown's estate. As you can see from the image, the area has changed significantly since that time.